The Pole Spear

Glen Lewis

My sling is made by JBL enterprises. It came in a good
nylon holder that had four tube holders. One was sewed halfway so it would
hold the paralyzer point. I took out that stitch and ordered another tube
section. The actual spear package came with three, two-foot sections. I
wanted eight feet plus the paralyzer point, making about 9 feet total. This
helps me reach out and get what I want. It also keeps me at a distance which
would prove to be valuable in one instance.

All the pieces laid out.

The business end of the paralyzer point. I got a bad angle on this. It is
perfectly symmetrical. The three points hit the target fish and then they
expand into it effectively paralyzing most fish instantly if you hit it
squarely. Some are still active and you then hold them down with the spear.
It usually does not take long to subdue them.

The
spear is propelled by a surgical rubber tube. You cut a piece to length. I
use about 32 inches. It is held in place by placing a stainless bolt in one
end and the other will hold by friction. It forms a loop and you put the web
of your hand in the loop and pull it up the shaft of the spear. When you get
the desired poundage in the “draw” you simply grab the shaft of the spear
and hold it.

Now, with your mask, snorkel and fins, you swim out around the rocks
hunting. This can be a heart pounding experience. When you see the fish you
want to take you have to stalk. Work your way up, sometimes keeping a rock
or part of the reef between yourself and your prey. When you are in range,
point the spear and release your grasp. The spear is propelled instantly
into your next meal.

This is your entire spear held at full cock, ready to rock and roll.

This setup will put all the food on the table you and your entire family
will need. It does take skill to do the whole hunt but it comes fast enough
with practice. Once I was in some bathtub warm, gin clear waters down in the
Sea of Cortez on a hunt. I nailed a good sized tasty Jewfish. They are
fairly colorful. I was around some big boulders and out from one of them
came a huge Morey Eel. It was as big around as my leg and twice as long. It
was attracted by the blood and it wanted my fish. I was way up on the other
end of the 9 foot pole spear and that eel hissed up a storm at me. I shook
the spear until it finally left me alone. We had a fine meal of fillets that
night.

If you are ever stranded on a desert isle, this is one indispensable tool to
have in your kit. I have had mine for a good 15 to 20 years. All you need is
a good file to keep the points sharp and replace the rubber tubing
occasionally.